This is an old FM underground DJ trick, intended to blow the listener’s mind. Playing the same song twice by different artists catches most listeners off guard, especially if they haven’t been paying attention and missed the segue.
Donovan wrote the original in 1966 for the Sunshine Superman album that was released in September.. It was a fanboy offering to Mama Cass Elliot, beloved member of the Mamas and Papas. The story goes that Mama Cass often threw star studded hippie parties at her home in Laurel Canyon, offering all the stoner goodies that get mentioned in the song. In addition to the song being an homage to Cass Elliot, Donovan name checked the Jefferson Airplane.
Two years later, the Airplane returned the favor during a November 1968 concert at the Fillmore West. The arrangement wasn’t very different, but it definitely flew the friendly skies of Trans Love Airways.
Here’s the way DJs used to pair the two versions into a slightly longer flight. Chances are you too will attain cruising altitude when you hear the result. From Donovan and the Jefferson Airplane, here’s Fat Angel.
THE FAT ANGEL
He will bring happiness in a pipe,
He'll ride away on his silver bike
And apart from that he'll be so kind
In consenting to blow your mind.
Fly Translove Airways, get you there on time.
Fly Translove Airways, get you there on time.
He will bring orchids for my lady,
The perfume will be of an excellent style
And apart from that he'll be so kind
In consenting to blow your mind.
Fly Translove Airways, get you there on time.
Fly Translove Airways, get you there on time.
He will bring happiness in a pipe,
He'll-a ride away on his silver bike
And apart from that he'll be so kind
In consenting to blow your mind.
Fly Jefferson Airplane, get you there on time.
Fly Jefferson Airplane, get you there on time.
He will bring happiness in a pipe,
He'll ride away on his silver bike
And apart from that he'll be so kind
In consenting to blow your mind.
Fly Translove Airways, get you there on time.
Fly Translove Airways, get you there on time.
We'll be flying at an altitude of thirty-nine thousand feet
Captain High at your service.
The Fat Angel Lyrics as written by Donovan Leitch
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
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General Comment
As I understand it, Donovan wrote this song for Cass Elliot of The Mamas and The Papas -- hence the "Fat Angel" title.
Elliot was a much beloved figure among musicians in the psychedelic sixties. Top rock stars, American and British, would congregate at her home in Laurel Canyon, to hang out and get high.
I believe the lyrics refer to the scene at her house. The rider on the silver bike is, I imagine, a stylish drug dealer who travels by motorcycle to bring his wares for all plus flowers for Mama Cass.
"Captain High at your service," indeed.
Perhaps that was even the dealer's tag line which he announced upon arrival and Donovan tucked away all these details in his mind for when he later wrote this song.
LuckyTownon September 10, 2014 Link
Old School Single THE FAT ANGEL Donovan/Jefferson Airplane